People Over Politics, World Over Wealth
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The air crisp with the scent of winter
as I stood near the teahouse in Portland,
Oregon’s block square Chinese Garden.
A hazy day didn’t hide the city around
the periphery of the garden, but made it,
like stepping into another time and place.
In the near distance, a pagoda, crisp and
present. Behind it, a ghostly office tower
filling the sky in a far distant landscape.
After tea and a yuzu bar snack, we walked
the perimeter again; smelling the flowers
and snapping more pictures of peace.
Despite the office buildings, business,
and people surrounding this enclave, it’s
quiet, as if in the middle of the country.
Crossing a bridge near a beached wooden
boat, I marveled, and took a deep breath.
Looking down, I watched a golden carp.
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